Stressful jobs, screaming children, pesky neighbors — escape them all with a romantic vacation.
With romantic getaway spots around the Tristate, couples can have a relaxing trip without having to worry. If the office needs to call, the kids have an emergency, or the neighbor can’t find your spare key, you’re close enough to make a quick and easy return.
So pack a suitcase, grab your partner, and get away from it all.
A Rustic Retreat in Adams County
There’s no better place to break away from the hustle and bustle of city living than Adams County. The rolling hills and lush greenery are dotted with Amish buggies and charming family-owned businesses, making for the ideal rural excursion.
“People just love it. You don’t hear any negative reactions. It’s a great place to go for the weekend, and people tend to really enjoy themselves,” says Tom Cross, executive director of the Adams County Travel and Visitors Bureau.
After driving a little over an hour from Cincinnati, weary couples can settle into a variety of accommodations. At Murphin Ridge Inn in West Union, the surroundings are pastoral, but the living quarters are anything but. The light-soaked inn and cabins offer Shaker furniture, fireplaces, waffle weave robes, wet bars, whirlpool tubs and two-person showers. At the end of the day, share dinner at the inn’s traditional restaurant.
For those looking to stay a little closer to nature, Unity Woods Cabins are a good bet. The cabins rest on 175 acres and are adjacent to the Johnson Ridge State Nature Preserve. The non-electric, heated cabins provide the perfect situation for cuddling by a woodstove or watching the sunset from a porch swing.
Adams County is filled with daytime activities for adventurous couples. The area is ideal for outdoor pursuits like boating, canoeing, fishing, or hiking at Serpent Mound. Couples with a passion for shopping can take in the old world Amish charm of Miller’s Bakery & Gifts, Furniture, and Bulk Foods, or peruse an extensive selection of antique stores.
Moyer Winery & Restaurant is the perfect spot to sip a glass of wine and toast to a relaxing weekend. The picturesque view of the Ohio River provides the perfect setting for dinner and drinks.
“[Adams County] is close to home, and it’s not as crowded as other places,” Cross says. “It’s the first place you hit mountains east of Cincinnati. It’s just full of history and has a laidback lifestyle.”
Good Times on the Horizon in Rising Sun
Just to the west, Rising Sun, Ind., offers everything from gambling to ziplines.
“It’s just a nice little town,” says Sherry Timms, executive director of the Rising Sun Visitors Bureau. “There are plenty of places to watch the river, take a hike, or view wildlife at the Red Wolf Sanctuary.”
The Grand Victoria Casino & Resort in Rising Sun has 201 rooms and suites, a health club, sauna, swimming pool and whirlpool. The casino’s Wellington’s Steakhouse is a great place for an upscale meal for two of steak, seafood and tempting desserts. With all the romantic pursuits, don’t forget to throw a die or two.
If the gambling scene isn’t for you, don’t fret — Rising Sun has many options for couples of all interests. For a Cupid-worthy adventure, take in a concert at the Harps on Main store. Relax in the shop’s garden, or even test you own skills on the handmade string beauties. The town is also home to the county’s historical museum, as well as thrilling zipline wilderness tours.
Timms says Rising Sun has a kaleidoscope of accommodations available. The Courtyard, an 1800s general store-turned-inn, offers Ohio River views, a café and pub, all within walking distance of Main Street and the casinos.
For couples who like to bond over friendly competition, the Links Golf Course is right next to the Anderson Riviera Inn. The inn features whirlpool baths, satellite TVs, mini-kitchens, covered verandahs and river views.
Dog and horse owners are welcomed at Tuggles’ Folly. The bed and breakfast offers kennels and stables for your furry friends, as well as antique furniture and homemade breakfasts for the human visitors.
“The cares of the world just float away here, and it’s such a lovely setting,” Timms says. “People come here from all over the world — often by accident — but they end up being charmed by it.”
Be Dazzled by Downtown Cincinnati
For a ritzier experience for two, downtown Cincinnati is a must. The area has fancy hotels, world-class dining and unbeatable attractions — not to mention proximity to home in case anything goes awry.
The Cincinnatian Hotel is a great choice to stay, with its convenient location near Fountain Square. The luxurious décor, balconies and dining areas make the hotel enjoyable, but the Roman bathtubs, dual sinks and decadent Palace Restaurant make it ideal for couples.
For a delectable dinner, try Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse on Walnut Street, which serves up juicy steaks and succulent seafood in a chic atmosphere. Ruby also own Bootsy’s, just down the street, which is a great option for couples who would prefer to split some tapas.
McCormick & Schmick’s on Fountain Square is a fantastic eatery for any twosome with an appetite for fresh fish. For an earlier affair, don’t miss happy hour with McCormick’s famous $1.95 bar menu.
If the weather permits, take a post-dinner stroll along the Purple People Bridge. The surrounding river, lights and buildings make for a scenic romantic stroll.
For those hoping to find some culture downtown, don’t miss the local theaters. With upcoming shows by actors, acrobats, musicians and dancers, there is an abundance to enjoy at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, the Taft Theatre and the Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati.
Whether you decide on an Amish country adventure, a gambling excursion, or a glamorous weekend on the town, one thing is for certain — there is a getaway for every couple around the Tristate.